Glass ionomer cement restorations: the effects of lasing the cavity walls on marginal microleakage

Glass Ionomer cements are used in modern dentistry for various preventive purposes, one of which is the treatment of cervical caries lesions. Anticariogenic properties and the ability to bond to dentin and enamel are their main advantages. Since acid-etching of the tooth prior to glass ionomer placement is contraindicated, a "dry" defocused laser beam was used to enhance retention. The results indicate that finishing the cavity walls with a laser beam increased the marginal microleakage of the glass ionomer cement restorations. Thus, the procedure was apparently found unsuitable for clinical use.